Two famous Maxime Old visible interiors are situated in Rouen one of the very first towns in France in respect of the quality of its historical and artistic patrimony.

Its Town Hall, classified as historical monument, is settled in the monksâ former dormitory of the quite powerful Saint-Ouen Abbey.

In 1960 the municipality is looking for a better setting for its Council: the Council Hall, its annexes the Commission rooms and its gallery. The Doctor Robert Rambert, deputy-mayor in charge of Culture and Patrimony, recommends Maxime Old for the design of the project that must be presented to the Council for approval.

On October 3rd 1960 the Council is convinced by Maxime Oldâs project and gives him the management of its realization. Following his usual rule of conduct he will call on other artists as Raoul Ubac for the gallery tapestries and Jean-Pierre Demarchi for the medallions illustrating the history of Rouen in the Council Hall.

On October 19th 1964 the Mayor, Bernard Tissot, inaugurates the newly decorated premises. Jean Lecanuet will be in the chair during 25 years, then his successors.

Amazingly fifty years later the municipality is daily still using this setting designed and realized by Maxime Old from floor to ceiling. The spaces fitted and the quality materials implemented, as remarkable as the style, hold on together. This is the “Council Chair” still in use, its present releases are here.

The municipality, actually chaired by its Mayor, Mr Yvon Robert considers that this modern work is part of its patrimony classified as historical monument. It preserves it carefully and restores it when needed. Outstanding artistic witnesses of their time these premises are open to the public. No doubt they are thus the most representative Maxime Old visible interiors nowadays.